Self-Service: 6 Car Repairs You Can Do Yourself

Car repairs are expensive if you have to take your car in for every scary noise. To save money, there are several repairs that many drivers can do with basic tools and minor experience. Here are some ideas of home repairs you can do yourself. You should do extensive research to make sure, but you are prepared before you get started.

1. Oil Change

An oil change is a fairly easy job to complete. The most difficult aspect of is understanding the precautions. Don’t change the oil while the vehicle is hot. Wait at least a few hours after driving to change the oil.

You will need an oil filter, ratchet, a wrench, funnel, oil container, and new oil. Simply unscrew the oil filler cap and use the drain plug. The only downside to changing oil yourself is disposing of the old oil. It’s best to take the old oil to a specialty shop to have it recycled, rather than dumping it

2. Spark Plugs

Changing spark plugs helps vehicles drive smoother and improve fuel consumption ratings. For most vehicles, spark plugs are relatively cheap. They need to be changed after the metal on the electrodes wear down and are covered with carbon deposits. This affects the vehicle’s efficiency and the ability for the plug to ignite. The installation process is simple and straightforward. Remove the ignition wires from the older plugs and removing the older plugs with a wrench. After installing the new spark plugs, cover the ignition wire sockets with a small amount of dielectric grease. This helps create a solid seal before snapping the new plugs into place.

3. Headlight Bulbs

When replacing bulbs, it is important to get the correct bulb for the make and model of the vehicle. This information is in the user manual, or can be found out at your auto parts store. Replacing a corner bulb or a headlight can require removing the bumper, especially if you have sealed-beam headlights. In some cases, removing the headlight assembly may be required in order to access the bulbs. Although these are two minor inconveniences, it is worth the amount of money saved.

4. Brake Pads

Maintaining brake pads can help prevent car accidents and avoid injury. You will need Allen wrenches, a c-clamp, lug wrench, a carjack, socket set, and a hammer. Brake pads are generally under $30 for each pad and changing the pads is one of the more common maintenance services.. In most cases, there are detailed books and YouTube videos available for changing brake pads. Have a professional check your work the first time you attempt to change brake pads yourself.

5. Fuel Filters

Fuel filters costs around $15 depending on the vehicle. Fuel filters help keep the fuel injection system clean and functioning properly. release the fuel system pressure prior to replacing the fuel filter. This helps avoid damage and prevent injury. In most cases, fuel filters should be changed after 10,000 miles. A dirty fuel filter reduces the vehicle’s efficiency significantly. The process is simple and consists of disconnecting the battery, releasing the fuel line, disconnecting the fuel line, removing the old filter, and installing the new filter. After completing these steps it is important to start the vehicle and check for leaks.

6. Replace a Fuse

Replacing a fuse is one of the easiest DIY repairs. The vehicle’s electric system may require replacing a fuse in order to work properly. Replacing a fuse is cheap and simple. The process simply consists of locating the fuse box and identifying the blown fuse. After replacing the blown fuse with a new fuse, the job is done.

About the author: A recent college graduate from University of San Francisco, Anica is a full-time freelance writer. She has already published articles for a variety of industries, ranging from technology to beauty to health. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. You can connect with her here.
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